The lawns of 36 Hope Road came alive on Easter Sunday with the inaugural staging of Noon Brunch.

And although the scorching sun was out in full force, it had no bearing on the turnout of the event, as patrons came out in their numbers to enjoy an afternoon of food and entertainment.

Dancehall artiste Charly Black, who delivered a medley of his hits, told the Jamaica Observer that he came early just to enjoy the vibes before his scheduled performance.

“I haven’t performed in Kingston for a while, but the vibes was really nice and it means a lot to me to be here. The promoters are my friends and mi never waan late, so mi come early. It is a nice vibe to come een and sing fi di people dem,” said the artiste, who hinted that he is about to hit the road next month.

“Yes, I’ll be going on tour in Africa as of May 2nd, and then I am off to Europe. I have two new songs out so far this year — Slim Dolly, produced by DJ Mac, and Weekend, which was produced by Feel Good Boss. I’m also going to be releasing the deluxe edition of my most recent album Good Time, which we never got to fully promote because of Hurricane Melissa,” he told the Observer.

There was a wide array of food on display and patrons lined up to sample the delicacies which ranged from seafood to vegetarian, local and international cuisine.

The music was spot on with Steelie Bashment, JR Chromatic, Shukkle Bus, and DJ Chaddy G rocking the crowd later in the afternoon. However, the early segment was just as enjoyable with DJ Junior Phang as well as the team of DJ Tom and Slim J reeling out hit after hit.

“To get a crowd like this moving you have to read the crowd and do what you have to do. It’s a good look playing at an event like this, interacting with the people and just watching them enjoying themselves. That was the high point for me,” Slim J, who has been playing music professionally for the past eight years, said.

Junior Phang’s set was riddled with crowd favourites, among them Marcia Griffiths and Da’Ville’s interpretation of All My Life, Benjy Myaz’s reworking of Love You Higher, Missing You by Sanchez, Hello Africa by Garnet Silk, and The Real Thing by Bitty McLean.

“Mi just have a natural vibe when it comes to music. When I stepped into the party I knew I had to do something to keep the ladies grooving, so playing some nice reggae music from yesteryear was ammunition for me, and it worked. You have to watch the crowd and maintain the vibe throughout,” said Junior Phang, who has more than two decades of playing music under his belt.

Gary Nunes, who came with his father, said he enjoyed the proceedings.

“My father has some friends who put on this event, so I came with him just to see what event promotion is like, because that’s something that I plan on getting into later on, and so far the vibe has been good and I’m enjoying the music,” said Nunes.

Sheree Morris, who is visiting from Canada, was seen with her sister and a friend.

“[I]t’s going well. Having not travelled to Jamaica for a few years, we just wanted to go out and have fun. My sister saw this brunch on Instagram, and she said. ‘Let’s go,’ so we are here, no regrets,” she said while struggling to find a shade out of the scorching sun.

Shawn Whyte is one of three promoters behind the staging of Noon Brunch. He is pleased with the day’s events.

“This is the first staging and so far it is a good look. I’m one of three partners in this event, and it really was the idea of the other two. Noon signifies a good afternoon of food, live cooking on spot from our overseas chef, good music, aura, ambience, and Easter chic,” said Whyte.

Based on the success of the event the promoters are looking to host another in October.

“There is room for improvement obviously, but we are getting there. We may do another event in October but definitely Noon Brunch is going to be on the annual events calendar,” Whyte disclosed.

JR Chromatic fires up the hits during his set at Noon. Photo: Ashb Media

DJ Tom (left) and Slim J rock the Noon crowd.

Twain Gardner from Rockwildaz Sound Crew makes an impression at Noon Brunch. Photo: Ashb Media

Monique Bryan-Rodd of BeUnique Beauty House raises a toast at Noon Brunch. Photo: Ashb Media